15 mph sign on Plymouth Road Published July 14, 2009 By Col. Jay Silveria 48th Fighter Wing commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- COMPLAINT I wanted to let you know about an on-going problem that needs attention. A while back, there used to be a 15 mph sign on Plymouth Road directly across the street from the old skating rink. For some reason, it was taken down and never replaced. Drivers now seem to be under the impression that the speed limit is now 25 mph. I have shouted at people and waved at them to slow down and when one of them stops, I ask them if they know what the speed limit is on that road and most, if not all of them, say 25 mph. I correct them and they go on their way. There have also been many times when I see someone driving much faster than 25 mph. My window at the hospital annex faces the high school track, so I can see a good portion of Plymouth Road. My main concern is that someone is going to come down Plymouth Road from either direction, and a child may run out in front of them, since the hospital is right there. Also, high school students come up and down Plymouth Road in the morning, at lunch time, and in the afternoon. I have seen police cars parked down here occasionally, but they never seem to catch the ones who fly down here at well over 25 mph. Isn't there some way that the police can use unmarked cars? I mean, what's more important? Saving someone's life or worrying about whether or not an unmarked police vehicle violates some rule? Please, something has to be done before someone gets hurt or killed. RESPONSE Thank you for your concern and astute observation. In response to your message, our Liberty Engineers have erected a 15mph speed limit sign in the area of concern. The previous sign was inadvertently not replaced after the traffic circle construction was completed. In order to reinforce our commitment to safety, our Liberty Wing Defenders will also increase their presence in that area to ensure drivers adhere to the posted speed limit. Additionally, your idea for unmarked police vehicles is great, but we can't implement on base because Air Force Instructions require Security Forces vehicles to be marked and identifiable. Again, thank you for your concern for our community and for helping to make our base an even safer environment.